The Department of Science and Technology-Cordillera approved a grant for the improvement of the woodcarving or “pa-ot” industry in Asin and dairy processing in Dontogan, Baguio City which are set for implementation this year.
DOST Regional Director Nancy A. Bantog; Mayor Benjamin Magalong; Jose Ernesto Panlaqui, manager of the Mountain High Dairy Cooperative; and representatives of Asin Road woodcarvers signed the memoranda of agreement on May 24 at the City Hall multipurpose hall for the implementation of the projects.
The project for city’s woodcarving aims to enhance the woodcarving products and develop a sustainable livelihood program on carving.
Magalong initiated the project in coordination with the DOST Provincial Science and Technology Center of Benguet.
A series of meetings between Asin barangay, woodcarvers’ representatives, and partners such as the Design Center of the Philippines and Department of Trade and Industry Benguet was conducted.
DOST will fund the project worth P1,262,034 for the conduct of capability building trainings and product development for phase 1 implementation this year. The phase 2 will be the establishment of a common service facility on wood treatment or drying facility through the DOST-FPRDI technology kiln dryer.
The DCP, an attached agency of DTI, will be tapped for the capacity building on woodcarving industry trends and product development.
DTI-Benguet will also collaborate to provide assistance for the beneficiaries to maximize and penetrate online and physical marketing platforms.
DOST-Cordillera will provide funds amounting to P375,700 to improve the production process of the Mountain High Dairy Cooperative in Barangay Dontogan.
The project covers the provision of processing and packaging technology, conduct of training, product laboratory tests, and improvement of packaging label.
DOST-Cordillera Director Nancy Bantog encouraged the beneficiaries to practice the culture of productivity, sustainability, innovation, and creativity for the project to succeed.
Magalong extended his gratitude to DOST and other stakeholders for the partnership and projects that will help boost the livelihood activities in the city.
Also present during the MOA signing were DOST-PSTC Benguet Director Sheila Marie B. Singa-Claver, DTI-Benguet Director Samuel Gallardo, Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, DOST-Cordillera Asst. Director-Field Operations Services Engr. Angel Maguen, and Asin Punong Barangay Jaime Candido. – Press release
